Ugandan teachers begin transformative learning experience in Ireland
The 25-member delegation comprises 18 teachers from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, three education ministry officials, two Irish Embassy staff and two Vision Group journalists.
Teachers making a difference winners pose for a photo with other officials during their time in Ireland. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
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Winners of the 2023/2024 Teachers Making A Difference arrived in Ireland on Saturday morning to begin a week-long Continuous Professional Development Programme.
The 25-member delegation comprises 18 teachers from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, three education ministry officials, two Irish Embassy staff and two Vision Group journalists.
After the flag off ceremony on Friday evening by Mags Gaynor, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, the group headed straight to Entebbe to start the 8 hours and 40 minutes flight to the Netherlands before connecting to the Irish capital, Dublin.
Teachers Making a Difference delegation jubilate at Entebbe international airport departure gate before they flew out on Friday, October 3, 2025. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
(Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Despite bad weather, Capt. Armin Bakker brought the powerful twin-engine Airbus A330-200 operated by KLM Airlines to a safe landing at Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, touching the ground at 7:04am (local time).
Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Angella Athieno of the Irish embassy (above), and New Vision's John Eremu (below) brief the teachers on arrival at Schiphol international airport in Amsterdam. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
(Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
After a one-hour delay, the delegation hopped on a smaller Boeing 737 plane still operated by KLM for the one-and-a-half-hour haul to Dublin, where they checked in at the five-star Trinity City hotel in the heart of Dublin.
The delegation was received at Dublin international airport by the teachers making a difference coordinator in Ireland, Margo O'Sullivan. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
For many of the teachers, this was their first-ever flight, making this a truly unforgettable experience. You can imagine the excitement and the big dream being realised, all thanks to the generous sponsorship of the TMD programme.
TMD is part of Vision Group's Ugandans Making a Difference project initiated in 2008. The project recognises and rewards teachers who have gone beyond the call of duty and, through innovation, have greatly impacted their learners and the school communities. Since 2017, the programme has been implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland and Travelcare, one of Uganda's leading tour and travel management companies.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the delegation had a church service at the magnificent St Andrew's parish, Dublin.
The Teachers Making a Difference delegation pose for a photo with Rev. Fr Patrick Madden after church service at the magnificent St Andrews chapel, Dublin. (Credit: John Eremu)
Teachers posing for a photo with Rev. Fr Patrick Madden. (Credit: John Eremu)
New Vision's John Eremu at the magnificent St Andrews chapel, Dublin. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
After the church service, the delegation headed to the sandy Wicklow Beach, on the Irish Sea, where they marked International Teacher's Day.
Teachers pose for a group photo on the Irish sea shores. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Teachers at the Irish sea shores. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
In the afternoon, they then toured the medieval 6th-12th-century Irish monastic settlements in Glendalough, founded by St Kevin.
New Vision's John Eremu pointing to a building while at the 12th Century monastery. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
The 12th Century monastery. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Teachers Making A Difference delegation posing for a photo at the Irish monastic settlements in Glendalough, founded by St Kevin. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
On the third day of their programme yesterday (Monday, October 6, 2025), the teachers interacted with staff and students of Boyne Community School outside Dublin, where they were exposed to modern teaching facilities and innovative methodologies.
The teachers pose for a photo after interacting with staff and students of Boyne Community School outside Dublin. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
They then wound up the day with a visit to the historic 12th-century Trim Castle.
The teachers making a difference delegation at the historic 12th-century Trim Castle. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Teachers pose for a photo at the historic 12th-century Trim Castle. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
Breakfast is always a great time at the Trinity City Hotel.
Teachers having a breakfast meal. (Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
(Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)
(Credit: Roggers Akanyijuka)